Paws4You resuce 5k run set for April 26

Pictured is Alina Lahens with her husband, Gabriel Lapica, and her mother, Celina, with their rescued dog, Brandy, and their Maltese, Mia.

The first Paws 4 You Rescue Run Fur Fun 5K was such a hit last year that it will be back this year on Saturday, April 26.

Last year, 465 smiling participants — including families, health enthusiasts, and dog lovers from around Miami-Dade, many with their dogs — turned out to show support for homeless pets. The Rescue organization is looking for more people to turn out this year to help save animals.

This year’s Rescue Run Fur Fun will take place in the late afternoon at the Killian Greens Golf Club and will include a timed race on a certified course to appeal more to serious runners. Participants will have the option of walking or running either a 5K or one mile. The best part of the event is that dogs are welcome too. Participants who don’t have dogs, but wish they did, can borrow adoptable dogs from the Paws 4 You Rent-A-Dog booth.

After the race, participants can celebrate with their friends and families as they shop vendor goodies, indulge in tasty treats and meet adoptable dogs from Paws 4 You Rescue. Each participant will receive food, refreshments, a paws drawstring backpack with a tee-shirt and bandanna, and a medal, while supplies last.

Register now at www.paws4you.org/5k. Proceeds benefit Paws 4 You Rescue, a nonprofit charitable organization with a mission to save dogs from euthanasia at Miami-Dade Animal Services where 27,000 unwanted pets end up each year.